Psychology Chapter 2: The Biological Mind

Front 1

Reciprocity of Biology and Experience

Back 1

Refers to an external event eliciting a biological response.

Front 2

Reductionism:

Back 2

The act of scaling back or reducing our example or sample when studying the brain, due to its immense complexities.

Front 3

Neuron

Back 3

Cell of the nervous system that is specialized for sending and receiving neural messages.

Front 4

Axon

Back 4

Branch of a neuron that is usually responsible for transmitting information to other neurons.

Front 5

Dendrites

Back 5

Branch from the neural cell body that usually receives input from other neurons.

Front 6

Axon Terminals

Back 6

Located at the end of axons, look like little branches off of the axon that have little openings which allow for chemical communication

Front 7

Glial Cells

Back 7

Hold neurons in place, and help transport nutrients to neurons as well as remove waste products.

Front 8

Myelin

Back 8

The insulating material covering some axons, also helps speed transmission of signals from one neuron to the other

(Adult brain has a lot more myelin than a young persons brain)

Front 9

Synaptic Pruning

Back 9

The removal of weaker axons allowing the others to be more robust.

Front 10

Acetylcholine

Back 10

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, as well as organs that use muscles in order to function i.e. the heart

Front 11

Norepinephrine

Back 11

Neurotransmitter that upon release in the brain leads to arousal and vigilance.

Front 12

Dopamine

Back 12

Neurotransmitter that involves anticipation of rewards, motor control, and controlled cognition. This is the main focus for neuro-marketers

Front 13

Serotonin

Back 13

Neurotransmitter that regulates sleep cycles, mood, memory, and learning.

Front 14

Endorphins

Back 14

Neurotransmitter that regulates the perception of pain. This is released during physical activity, and modulates the senses of pain and pleasure, as well as feelings of "runner's high", and is released during sexual climax.

Front 15

Central Nervous System

Back 15

Consists of the brain and spinal chord, which are so important that both structures are completely encased in bone.

Front 16

Peripheral nervous system

Back 16

Divided into two parts:

1. Autonomic nervous system
2. Somatic nervous system

Front 17

Autonomic Nervous System

Back 17

Part of the peripheral nervous system that is involved in preservation of homeostasis, releases hormones, and salivation.

Further broken down into two parts:

1. Sympathetic
2. parasympathetic

Front 18

Somatic Nervous System

Back 18

Part of peripheral nervous system that is involved in voluntary movement as well as the processing of sensations.

Front 19

Sympathetic Nervous System

Back 19

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with coordination of arousal.

Front 20

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Back 20

Part of the autonomic nervous system that is associated with rest, repair, and energy storage.

Front 21

Endocrine System

Back 21

Releases hormones into your system, regulates digestion, releases insulin, and stimulates the process of physical maturation.